Worried about the shorter attention spans and demand for quick gratification prevalent in today’s youth, 16-year-old Jatin Rakesh, a student at St. Joseph’s Institution, decided to create an app concept aimed at improving focus.
To his surprise, not only did he win Apple’s Swift Student Challenge and become one of 50 global Distinguished Winners, but he was also invited to the recent Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where he caught the eye of Apple CEO Tim Cook.
”I never thought I’d get to meet Tim Cook during our tour, but I was thrilled when he joined our group for a photo at the famous rainbow arch at Apple Park,” Jatin shared after his exciting week at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.
“I felt a rush of excitement when he chose to stand next to me and put his arm around me for the picture! Meeting such an influential and inspiring person like Tim is a moment I will cherish forever.”
His mother played a key role in his journey, encouraging him to start learning coding at the age of 11. Initially beginning with block coding, he later transitioned to syntax coding with the help of a tutor. These concepts can be complex, yet his mother’s encouragement was pivotal.
“I joined coding reluctantly at first,” Jatin recalls, “but as I learned, I discovered that coding is about much more than typing on a keyboard – it can significantly improve lives.”
This empowerment inspired him to enter Apple’s Swift Student Challenge, an esteemed global competition launched in 2020 to recognize and support young coders and their creativity.
His innovative app concept was one of 350 winning submissions worldwide, which earned him a trip to Apple Park.
His project, Attention Tractor, is a simulation game with a narrative featuring a hamster named Theo who struggles with focus. The app playground, which includes various mini-games alongside a straightforward story, aims to promote positive habits for better attention span, such as maintaining a regular bedtime, practicing active listening, and emphasizing healthy eating and meditation.
On a personal level, the motivation behind his app came from wanting to assist his peers in improving focus, tackling a relevant issue in today’s fast-paced digital world filled with short-form content, like 30-second TikToks. He also aimed to support his younger sister, noticing her challenges firsthand.
“My idea came from observing that my generation often has low attention spans,” he explains. “With the rise of social media, my research indicates this can adversely affect long-term focus, concentration, and mental wellness, worsening if left unaddressed.”
“I specifically wanted to tackle this issue to help my younger sister manage her attention span, as I have witnessed its impacts on her life.”
After two prior attempts at the Swift Student Challenge, he dedicated two months of effort this time, resulting in an all-expenses-paid trip to WWDC 2025. There, he connected with global app creators and shared insights with them.
“I learned a lot about accessibility and how Apple’s platform can enhance people’s lives,” he says. “This experience highlighted the diversity within the global development community and reminded me of our common goal – making lives easier and more efficient through technology.”
“Being around experienced developers and fellow Distinguished Winners allowed us to discuss ways to enhance our apps, set goals, and learn more about Apple’s technologies,” adds Jatin, who previously developed a travel planner app, Journify, during his time at Kranji Secondary School.
“What makes being part of the developer community special is that you realize you’re not alone and there are always bright minds with innovative ideas to assist you. We all strive to use technology for the betterment of lives.”
While Jatin’s journey in coding and app development is just beginning, he recognizes its potential in shaping his future. “My passion for coding is constantly expanding – developing a website is limited only by my creativity, and this freedom has given meaning to my life.”
So, what’s next for this aspiring app developer? Currently, his exams take precedence, but he aims to continue refining Attention Tractor, transforming it from a prototype into a fully functioning app that can benefit many.
“One thing I’m sure of is my commitment to positively impacting others and creating applications that support community growth. My ultimate goal in life is to be a good person and be remembered for using technology to empower and assist others daily.”
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